Washington, Feb 19 (IANS): US President Barack Obama has said the fight against violent extremism is not against Islam and the world should resist granting religious legitimacy to terrorist groups.
"We are not at war with Islam," Xinhua quoted Obama as saying Wednesday during a keynote speech on the second day of the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism.
"We are at war with people who have perverted Islam."
Obama stressed that it was vital not to stigmatise any community just because of their faith, calling on Muslim leaders to speak up in the fight against violent extremism.
"No religion is responsible for terrorism, people are responsible for violence and terrorism," Obama said.
During the half-hour speech, Obama spoke of other challenges in countering violent extremism, including addressing the economic and political grievances.
Vice President Joe Biden also addressed the summit.